Estepona: a charming place and your perfect real estate destination
Tours TravelThe Estepona region is approximately 75 km from Malaga International Airport and 30 km from Gibraltar. It covers the beautiful coastal towns of Casares, Manilva, Duquesa, the old town of Estepona and towards Sotogrande. This area is considered more typically Spanish and much less ostentatious than its neighbor Marbella. However, in recent years it is fast becoming a sophisticated Spanish holiday destination that offers many facilities. Due to its perfect location, nestled between the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and protected on the other side by the Sierra Bermeja mountains, Estepona enjoys a microclimate with more than 325 degrees of sunshine per year.
In August 2010, the city hosted the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and her daughter Sasha, when they vacationed at the exclusive Hotel Villa Padierna. Despite the influx of tourism over the last decade, Estepona has managed to maintain its charm and village character. However, due to its charm, Estepona has become a hot spot for many Europeans wishing to live on the Costa del Sol. If you are looking to buy a property in one of the quieter regions of the coast, Estepona is an excellent place to live.
The Estepona marina is located at the western point of the promenade and is a perfect place to enjoy yacht watching. If you get up very early you can watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch at the marina each morning. In and around the port there is a wide variety of bars and restaurants for people of all ages. The nightlife in Estepona is very different from that of Puerto Banús and other coastal towns, as here you will find more relaxed entertainment, such as bars and flamenco shows. However, there are still plenty of trendy clubs and most of the action takes place in the port area and in the back streets of the old town. Estepona celebrates its annual feria (festival) in mid-August and it is a wonderful and spectacular event showcasing typical Andalusian culture and tradition.
Estepona is famous for its virgin beaches that stretch along 21 km of coastline. If you take a relaxing walk along these beaches you will come across numerous beach bars and beach bars. There are also plenty of toilet and shower facilities and children’s play areas along the shoreline. In Laguna Village you’ll find the trendy Puro Beach Club, an adults-only hotspot with great music, white loungers, a pool, and a bar. This is currently the place to be seen if you like the high society lifestyle and celebrities are often seen here relaxing on the beach. If you enjoy working out on the beach, in addition to a good run in the sand, you can also take advantage of the outdoor exercise machines for adults that have been set up on the beach near the town of Estepona. As Estepona is located at the southern tip of the Costa del Sol, while sunbathing on these beaches, you can often admire the beautiful silhouette of Gibraltar and the African coastline. If you prefer to live at the gates of the Mediterranean, Estepona is the ideal place as front line and beachside properties are much cheaper than in Marbella.
Estepona is a great area if you like to shop. The village itself has many small independent shops selling all kinds of goods and there are plenty of cafes so you can take a leisurely stroll through the village. On Wednesdays you will find the weekly town market located next to the large football stadium. In the Port of Estepona there is also a smaller market that is held on Sundays. If you’re more into designer goods, you should visit Laguna Village, a beautiful beachfront mall next to the Kempinski Hotel, where you can find expensive stores like Dolce & Gabbana. There are also numerous bars and restaurants here, so you can really spend the day.
If you have children, there are plenty of things to keep them busy. Estepona city has a wonderful children’s playground that you will find on the seafront. Parents can take a seat and watch their children spend many happy hours here. Further along the N340 you will also find the Estepona Equestrian Center, where children and adults can go on pony rides and classes are also offered. This area is also popular with expats as there are excellent schools and facilities. The city of Estepona is a great place to live if you like the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you prefer to be in a central location, a property in the heart of the city of Estepona would be perfect for you.
Selwo Safari Park is a wonderful day out for the whole family. During the summer months it extends its opening hours to 20:00 so that you have the opportunity to see as many of the 2,000 animals as possible. The park extends over one million square meters and allows animals to roam in semi-free conditions. There are extensive gardens and lakes, and a ride in one of the safari trucks will take you past Masai-style village huts and the largest walk-through aviary in Europe. On the safari truck ride, you pass many different types of animals such as elephants, bears, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, etc. You can also hike designated trails and cross rope bridges if you prefer a more relaxed way of seeing the park. However, it is advisable to bring sun protection as most of the park is outdoors and there is little shade. There are several restaurants and cafes and a wide variety of additional activities on offer including falconry shows, camel rides, archery, trampoline, rope slide and an adventure park. For those who really love the safari lifestyle, you can even spend the night in one of the Masai villages. If you prefer to live in an area where you can take in nature, there are wonderful properties for sale that have spectacular views of Selwo and the surrounding coastline.
For golf lovers, Estepona is a wonderful place to be. It has some of the best courses in Spain and here you will find excellent facilities for golfers of all abilities. El Paraíso is one of the most established golf courses on the coast and has the envious reputation of offering one of the best championship course designs in this region. Other excellent courses include Atalaya Golf & Country Club, Estepona Golf, Montemayor Golf & Country Club, El Campanario, El Coto la Serena and Los Almendros. This area of the Costa del Sol is a true paradise where golfers can enjoy their sport practically all year round. If you are looking to buy a property close to a golf course, Estepona and the surrounding area are the perfect place, as there are some excellent quality frontline golf properties for sale in this region.
Manilva is a city that remains inherently Spanish and is popular with both Spanish and European residents. The municipality is made up of several districts and the area is still very agricultural. The white town of Manilva lies a few kilometers inland and dates from Roman times. There are remarkably well-preserved Roman baths and an aqueduct. On the coast you will find the small fishing village of Sabinillas. This is a very quiet and peaceful town located right on the beach.
To the west of Sabinillas is the area called Duquesa, which has a beautiful and bustling port and castle. Duquesa Sports Marina is a small port and golf community and has beautiful beaches, promenades, bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and a trendy nightlife. For sailing enthusiasts there is an excellent selection of nautical activities and two days a week the port hosts a traditional open-air market. Duquesa Golf & County Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course and this area is very popular with families and golfers alike. The club also offers many other facilities including tennis and squash courts and a fully equipped gym. If you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of a port but don’t have the budget for Puerto Banús, then Duquesa is an ideal place to buy a property.
Further down the coast you will find the exquisite area of Sotogrande, located within the municipality of San Roque. This is one of the most luxurious residential developments in Europe and has amenities fit for royalty. There is an exclusive harbor and a world-class marina with multi-million dollar yachts and apartments. The residential area of Sotogrande is where you will find the homes of some of the wealthiest inhabitants of Spain. This is a privileged area with excellent schools and sports facilities. Prince Carlos and other members of the Royal Family are regular visitors to the Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande. Sotogrande’s beaches are pristine and some of the best golf courses are found in this region; its most famous course is Valderrama, the prestigious championship course that hosts the annual Ryder Cup. If you have a seven figure budget and are looking for a property built to the highest standards with everything you could want, then Sotogrande is the perfect place to buy a home.